HyperScan is a game system introduced by Mattel at the San Diego Comic Con in July 2006.

At least initially, HyperScan can fairly be described as a cross between trading card games (TCGs) and video games. It's the first game system to use RFID technology.

It was marked toward boys between the ages of five to nine who were not ready for high-end video games in terms of maturity or expense, though ironically the included game was rated T by the ESRB.

HyperScan features

The HyperScan has two controller ports, as well as a RFID scanner that reads and writes to "cards" which, in turn, activate features in and save data from the game. Players were able to enhance the abilities of their characters by scanning cards. Games retailed for $19.99 and the console itself for $69.99 at launch, but at the end of its short lifespan, prices of the system were down to $9.99, the games $1.99 and booster packs $0.99.

The system was sold in two varieties, a cube box, and a 2-player value pack. The cube box version was the version sold in stores. It included the system, controller, X-Men game disc, and 5 X-Men cards. Two player value packs were sold online and included an extra controller and 5 additional X-Men cards.

HyperScan games

Five games are known to be released for the HyperScan. The released games are X-Men, Ben 10, Interstellar Wrestling League, Marvel Heroes, and Spiderman. A sixth game called "Avatar the Last Airbender" was announced and may have been released in small quantities. "Nickelodeon Sports" was also announced, but never released.

The "X-Men" game is a fighting game in which two characters face off against each other in self-contained matches. "Marvel Heroes", which includes some X-Men characters, is a side-scroller, adventure quest.